Socioeconomic determinants potentially underlying differential global SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity: an ecological...

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Economics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted global disparities in healthcare access and response capabilities.
• Understanding the determinants of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing capacity (TC) is essential for effective pandemic management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 laboratory testing capacity and socioeconomic factors across 109 countries.
• To identify key determinants contributing to global inequalities in testing capacity during 2020-2021.

Main Methods:

• Ecological study utilizing regression analyses to examine associations between TC and socioeconomic determinants.
• Data from 109 countries (Our World in Data, WHO, UN) analyzed across six global burden of disease regions for 2020-2021.
• Investigated factors including vaccination rates, wealth, vulnerable employment (VE), gender, and income inequality.

Main Results:

• Testing capacity (TC) increased significantly across regions, with Asia and Oceania showing the largest rise (4.9-fold).
• Vulnerable employment (VE) was consistently associated with reduced TC globally (2020: -43%; 2021: -46%).
• Region-specific analyses revealed heterogeneity; Latin America and Asia/Oceania linked TC to health expenditure, while VE negatively impacted TC in high-income, Central Europe, and Sub-Saharan regions.

Conclusions:

• Socioeconomic and gender inequalities significantly influence SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity.
• Equitable access to health services and targeted interventions are vital, especially in resource-limited settings.
• Addressing these disparities is crucial for improving health outcomes and global pandemic preparedness.